Container and label

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a container having a label that is embedded in the container and a method of temporarily marking the container over the label. The container is sufficiently transparent to allow indicia formed on the label to be ascertained through a wall of the container. The exterior wall of the container may be written upon with a marker that leaves marks that are erasable from the exterior of the container. A method of producing the container is described.

This application is a continuation of the continuation in partapplication Ser. No. 15/066,873 filed Mar. 10, 2016, which claims thebenefit of application Ser. No. 14/492,242 filed Sep. 22, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to containers, marking of containers, and methodsof producing containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common to label containers to indicate contents. Some containersare reusable, which means that a new label must be applied when thecontents of the container are changed or information on the label mustotherwise be updated. Repeatedly changing the information on the labelcan lead to problems with removing the label and/or otherwise relabelingthe container.

In one particular situation, health departments, other governmentalorganizations, or organizational Best Operating Practices requirerestaurants to label food containers. A label may identify the foodcontained in the container, as well as provide information aboutfreshness, quality assurance, and safety of the contained food. In thismanner, cross contamination is inhibited, and the expected shelf life ofthe food before expiration may be determined by food preparers andhealth department inspectors.

However, a health department may require that the label be renewedperiodically, and even as frequently as each day. Relabeling meansremoving the expired marked label and replacing it with a new markedlabel. Labels known in the art, which are used for this process, can bedifficult to remove from the container, and become unreadable in highmoisture areas, such as walk-in food coolers and freezers. Labels knownin the art are difficult to remove, and may leave an adhesive residue onthe container that is considered a violation of state health codes. Thelabeling system of the present invention may help resolve these problemsby permanently embedding into the container and providing spaces torecord information about the food with an erasable marker.

Labels known in the art typically utilize an adhesive that sticks to thecontainer. The label must be peeled off for every change in containercontent or after a predetermined period. This leaves adhesive on thecontainer, which can contain bacteria. Additionally, the labels known inthe art should receive a single marking, without crossing out the priormarking and/or writing on the edges of the label, which may lead toconfusion regarding the information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a container having a label that is embedded inthe container. The container is sufficiently transparent to allow theindicia of the label to be ascertained through a wall of the container.The exterior wall of the container may be written upon with a markerthat leaves marks that are erasable from the exterior of the container.A method of producing the container is also described.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to a preferredembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 demonstrates a process of preparing a prepared laminated labelfor the container.

FIG. 3 is a side, sectioned view of a prepared laminated label.

FIG. 4 demonstrates a mold for forming a container according to apreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the prepared laminated label in the mold.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectioned view of a container according to apreferred embodiment of the invention showing the label embedded in thewalls of the container.

FIG. 7A shows a step of a marker applying erasable indicia on anexterior wall of the container and over the embedded label.

FIG. 7B shows a step of a erasing the erasable indicia from the exteriorwall of the container.

FIG. 7C shows a step of a marker applying erasable indicia on anexterior wall of the container and over the embedded label after theerasable indicia is erased.

FIG. 8 illustrates a frontal view of an exemplary label having aplurality of spaces for identifying contents of the container.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In a preferred embodiment, a label 2 is permanently embedded in acontainer 4, which may be a food container. The label may be reused foridentifying container contents, and the conditions, age, or otherinformation about the container contents. The label remains integratedinto the container, such that repetitive removal and manipulation of thelabel relative to the container for remarking the label is notnecessary. In essence, the label records parameters and informationabout the contents of the container without requiring manipulation ofthe label or remarking the same label by direct contact with a marker.The label may also receive a removable or erasable mark through anerasable marker. The marks may include at least one parameter containinginformation about container content. Because of the permanent attachmentof the label and the container, and the capacity to erase and rewriteindicia on the label, the need for the removable labels known in the artis negated, or at least minimized.

In some embodiments, the container 4 may be a plastic food container,and may be used to store food in a cooler. The label 2 may include aplurality of lines or spaces that receive erasable marks from a marker.At least one parameter marked on the lines or spaces may includeinformation pertinent to the identification, shelf life, and preparationtime for the food, and also include a preparer identification. In oneembodiment, the parameter includes information about the containercontent, including, expiration information, container content, andpreparer information. Because the label is permanently embedded into thecontainer and the marks on the label are erasable, the label does nothave to be removed daily for marking new information thereto. Thiscapacity to repetitively use the label without physically detaching itfrom the container may help reduce costs and labor associated withreplacing the label in every instance the container is changed.

In some embodiments, the label may embed between an inner wall 10 and anouter wall 12 of the container 4. The integration of the label into thecontainer may help eliminate the need to repetitively replace the labelafter use, or after new container content is stored in the container. Insome embodiments, the label may be configured to receive erasablemarkings from a marker, such as a nonpermanent ink marker, or wax markersuch as a grease pencil, also known as a wax pencil, china marker orchinagraph pencil. The use of erasable marking further enhances the useof the label by providing a clear space every time new markings must bewritten. Additionally, the label may include a plurality of spaces formarking at least one parameter pertinent to the container contents.

The pluralities of spaces are configured to receive marking for at leastone parameter. The parameter may include time and dates that can showthe expiration times for the container content. In one embodiment, aweek's worth of parameters may be marked into the spaces. After the weekis completed, the marks may be removed by washing them off with a liquidor rubbing them off, depending upon the marking device that is used.Thereafter, a subsequent week, with possibly different containercontents, may be stored and have the parameters identified using thesame label. This is accomplished without repetitively replacing labelsor remarking the same printed label.

In an additional example of the parameters that can be marked anddisplayed from the plurality of spaces, at least one daily spaceidentifies a date the container content is placed in said container; acontent identification space identifies the container content, apreparation parameter space identifies a date and a time of preparationof the container content, a shelf life space identifies a shelf life forthe container contents; an expiration space identifies an expirationdate for the container content; and a preparer identification spaceidentifies a preparer of the container content.

FIG. 1 illustrates detailed perspective views of an exemplary labelingsystem, with an exemplary label embedded into the container, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A label 2 isjoined with a container 4. The label and the container may bepermanently joined together. In this manner, the label may be reused foridentifying and describing different container contents every time thecontainer contents are changed, or after predetermined time duration haspassed.

The label 2 may receive erasable marks 6 from an erasable marker 8. FIG.7A. The marks may include at least one parameter containing informationabout container contents. Because of the permanent embedding of thelabel 2 in the container 4, and the capacity to erase and rewrite markson the label, the need for adhesive backed or pressure sensitive labelsknown in the art is negated, or at least minimized.

The outer wall 12 of the container 4 is preferred to have a smooth, flatsurface that will receive readable marks 6 from the marker 8 that mayalso be erased. The container is preferred to be formed of a materialthat will display the markings without smearing when exposed to wetenvironments, such as those environments that occur in kitchens andcoolers. Grease pencils tend to resist exposure to water, and marks froma grease pencil are received and displayed by most plastics, includingthermoplastics, and including polycarbonate. Grease pencil marks may beremoved from most smooth plastic surfaces by rubbing with a cloth.

Materials for the label may include, without limitation, paper, polymer,textile, metal. However, in a preferred embodiment, the label is formedof a thermoplastic, such as LEXAN®. The label may be formed in layers,so that a layer of thermoplastic is over a layer that forms a substratefor receiving the printed indicia. Other layers may be provided, such asa layer behind the printing receiving layer or layers, or otherprotective layers. In some embodiments, the label 2 may be a planarmember. The label may have various shapes, including, withoutlimitation, rectangle, square, circle, oval, and pyramid. The indicia ispermanently printed or formed on the label, and is particularlypermanent after embedding the label between container walls.

In some embodiments, the label may embed between an inner portion orinner wall 10 and an outer portion or outer wall 12 of the container.The integration of the label into the container may help eliminate theneed to repetitively replace the label after a period of time or aftereach new container content is stored in the container. In someembodiments, the label may record at least one parameter about thecontainer contents for a period of time, such as one week. The containermay include a plastic food container used to store food in a cooler. Ina preferred embodiment, the plastic food container is formed of amaterial that cures to be sufficiently transparent to read the labelthrough a layer or wall of the material. Preferred materials for formingthe container are thermoplastics, such as polycarbonate. However, othersuitable materials may include, without limitation, NSF plastics,polyurethane, polyethylene, clear polymers and other materials that maybe formed by injection molding and are sufficiently transparent to meetthe goals of the invention as described herein.

The label may include a plurality of lines or spaces such as those shownin the drawings over which erasable marks from a marker may be appliedto the container. At least one parameter marked on the spaces mayinclude information pertinent to the identification, shelf life, andpreparation time for the food, and also include a prepareridentification. In some embodiments, the pluralities of spaces or linesare configured to receive marking for parameters. The parameters includetime and dates that can show the expiration times for the containercontent.

By way of example but not limitation, a week's worth of parametersregarding the contents may be marked on the container 4 over the labelspaces. After the week is completed, the marks 6 may be removed bywashing them off with a liquid or rubbed off with a cloth 14, dependingupon the type of marker used. FIG. 7B. Thereafter, a subsequent week,with possibly different container contents, may be stored and have theparameters identified using the same label 2 by applying marks 6 with anerasable marker 8. This is accomplished without repetitively replacinglabels or remarking the same printed label. The at least one parameterincludes information about the container in a time prior or weeklyperiod. Because of the greater time period and other information markedinto the spaces, the label does not have to be removed periodically formarking new information thereto. This capacity to repetitively use thelabel without physically detaching it from the container may help reducecosts and labor associated with replacing the label in every instancethe container is changed.

FIG. 8 illustrates a frontal view of an exemplary label having aplurality of spaces for identifying contents of the container, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the presentinvention, a label 2 may include a planar member configured to locatemarks from a marker, and display marks formed on an at least partiallytransparent container. The label may include a plurality of lines orspaces configured to locate a mark from the marker. The label may beconfigured to locate erasable marks 6 from a marker 8, such as anonpermanent ink marker. However, in other embodiments, useful markersmay include a grease pencil, erasable ink, a crayon, chalk, detachabletext and numbers, and any partially removable or erasable mark. The useof erasable marking further enhances the use of the label by providing aclear space every time new markings must be written. The erasablemarking forms temporary indicia on the container, which may be erased,and new temporary indicia applied by the erasable marker.

In some embodiments, the plurality of spaces comprises at least oneparameter pertinent to the container contents. The spaces may provide anarea over which to mark the time, week, duration, contents, and foodpreparer's information. In one embodiment, a week's worth of parametersmay be marked into the spaces. After the week is completed, the marksmay be removed by washing or rubbing, depending upon the type ofnon-permanent marker used. Thereafter, a subsequent week, with possiblydifferent container contents, may be stored and have the parametersidentified using the same label. However, in other embodiments, theparameters may cover anywhere from a day, a month, or longer.

In some embodiments, the at least one parameter may include at least onedaily space that identifies the date that the container content isplaced in the container and/or cooler. The at least one daily space mayalso be used for recording other important information about thecontainer content. In one embodiment, the at least one daily spaceincludes a Monday space 200, a Tuesday space 202, a Wednesday space 204,a Thursday space 206, a Friday space 208, a Saturday space 210, and aSunday space 212. The appropriate space may be checked or marked asdesired to indicate the day of the week that the container content wasplaced in the container. In this manner, the freshness of the containercontent, such as meat, seafood, or fruit, may be visually determined ata glance.

In some embodiments, the at least one parameter may include a contentidentification space 214 for identifying the container content. Thecontent identification space may include an item marking. For example,without limitation, a type of food, such as chicken breasts can bemarked to differentiate from chicken thighs in a different container. Insome embodiments, the at least one parameter may include a preparationparameter space 216 for identifying a date and a time of preparation ofthe container content. A checkbox may be used to distinguish between thedate and time, and a space for marking numerals may also be available.

In some embodiments, the at least one parameter may include a shelf lifespace 218 for identifying a shelf life duration for the containercontent. The shelf life space may include a numeral, an hour checkbox,and a day checkbox for distinguishing the exact date and/or time thatthe shelf life of the container content has terminated. In someembodiments, the at least one parameter may include an expiration space220 for identifying an expiration date for said container content. Inone embodiment, the expiration space may have a use by identifier toindicate the last date possible for use of the container content. Insome embodiments, the at least one parameter may include a prepareridentification space 222 for identifying a preparer of said containercontent. The preparer space may have a user identifier to mark apreparers name with the marker. In this manner, the preparer may beidentified if questions arise about the container contents.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is formed by a plasticinjection molding process. A two part steel mold 20 is prepared. FIG. 2.This mold may be referred to as a label preparation mold. The labelpreparation mold is used to laminate the label 2 with a plastic that ispreferably the same plastic as is used to form the container. Theplastic is preferred to be a thermoplastic, such as polycarbonate. Theplastic, when cured, is preferred to be transparent, and is sufficientlytransparent to allow the indicia, such as logos, illustrations, words,symbols, graphics, spaces and lines to be readily visible to the userthrough the plastic.

In one embodiment, the label 2 is made from a 10 mil clear Velvet Lexanmaterial. The indicia formed on the label, such as the example shown inFIG. 8 may be printed, such as by screen printing or digital process,and may be formed by four color or full color (CYMK) process. The labelmay be coated with a dry erase clear coat. The labels may be formed in acontinuous sheet and die cut into individual labels.

The label may be placed into the label preparation mold cavity 22 andstatically held in place. A suction line may be incorporated into themold that applies negative pressure through the mold and to the moldcavity, thereby statically holding the label in place for lamination.Plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material that will cure to besubstantially transparent, is injected into the mold cavity usingstandard injection molding techniques specific to the thermoplastic,such as polycarbonate material, and to the label cavity used. The partas shown in FIG. 3, the prepared laminated label, is released from themold. The prepared laminated label 26 comprises label 2 and a plasticcoating 24. The label preparation step is important to insure properpositioning of the label within the container into which it is fixedduring the container molding process.

The container 4 may be manufactured by a plastic injection moldingprocess. In one embodiment, the mold is a two part mold 30 as shown inFIG. 4. The container mold is made to specifications to form thecontainer to the size and shape desired, and may vary, for example, bycontainer thickness, length and width.

The prepared laminated label is placed into the container mold andstatically held in cavity 32 as shown in FIG. 5. Placement of theprepared label placement within the container mold cavity is extremelyimportant. To inhibit movement of the prepared label, vacuum suction maybe provided through the mold. Constant suction keeps the prepared labelin place during the injection molding process.

Plastic material is fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and forced underpressure into the mold cavity. Plastic resin enters the mold through asprue. A sprue bushing may be used to seal tightly against the nozzle ofthe barrel of the molding machine, and allows molten plastic to flowfrom the barrel into the mold cavity. The sprue bushing directs themolten plastic to the cavity through specifically designed channels thathave been formed in each half of the mold bases. These channels controlthe direction and speed of the molten plastic to obtain the desiredresult. The mold is designed to maintain the desired flow rate of themolten plastic. The molten plastic flows through two specific channelsthat lead to each side of the prepared label. As the molten plasticmeets the prepared label, the formed plastic melts into the moltenplastic creating a seamless bond with the prepared label. Controllingthe temperature, pressure, and flow rate is extremely important toobtain the desired bond between the prepared label and the new moltenplastic forming the container. The shot size, cycle time, temperature,and pressure must be carefully dialed in when producing the container.

After the mold bases are closed, and the liquid plastic material isinjected into the container cavity. The plastic material may be athermoplastic and may be polycarbonate. The plastic material ispreferred to be the same plastic material as used to laminate the label.

The container is cooled inside the mold cavities, using standard moldingpractices, to cure the plastic and form the container. The container isthen released and removed from the mold. The end product is a containerthat is sufficiently transparent to read the completely embedded label.FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a completed containershowing the embedded label between the inner wall 10 and the outer wall12 of the container. The container is preferred to be formed from asingle plastic material, which may be a thermoplastic that forms theinner wall and the outer wall.

The labeling system may permanently embed a label with a food container,such that the label may be reused for identifying container content andthe conditions of the container content. The label remains integratedinto the container, such that repetitive removal and manipulation of thelabel relative to the container for remarking the label is notnecessary. In essence, the label records parameters and informationabout the contents of the container for a period without requiringmanipulation of the label or remarking the same label. The label, thus,removes the need for the removable or adhesive backed labels known inthe art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage container, comprising: a labelcomprising indicia permanently formed thereon; and a container, whereinthe container comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, and wherein thelabel is embedded and disposed between the inner wall of the containerand the outer wall of the container, and the label is held between theinner wall of the container and the outer wall of the container; whereinthe outer wall of the container is sufficiently transparent to revealthe permanent indicia formed on the label through the outer wall of thecontainer.
 2. A storage container as described in claim 1, wherein anouter surface of the outer wall is constructed to receive and displayindicia formed on the outer wall and over the label by an erasablemarker.
 3. A storage container as described in claim 1, wherein thelabel is laminated with a plastic material, and the container is formedof plastic material, and the plastic material on the label is bonded toplastic material of the container.
 4. A storage container as describedin claim 1, wherein the label is laminated with a thermoplasticmaterial, and the container is formed of thermoplastic material, and thethermoplastic material on the label is bonded to thermoplastic materialof the container.
 5. A storage container as described in claim 1,wherein the label is laminated with a polycarbonate, and the containeris formed of polycarbonate, and the polycarbonate material on the labelis bonded to polycarbonate of the container.
 6. A storage container asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the label is laminated with a plasticmaterial, and the container is formed of plastic material, and theplastic material on the label is melted and is bonded to plasticmaterial of the container.
 7. A storage container as described in claim1, wherein the label is laminated with a plastic material, and thecontainer is formed of plastic material, and the plastic material on thelabel is bonded to molten plastic material of the container.
 8. Astorage container as described in claim 1, wherein the sufficientlytransparent outer wall that covers the label has a smooth exteriorsurface.
 9. A storage container as described in claim 1, whereinpermanent indicia formed on the label is printed on the label.
 10. Astorage container as described in claim 1, wherein permanent indiciaformed on the label is comprises full color process.
 11. A storagecontainer as described in claim 1, wherein the container is molded. 12.A storage container as described in claim 1, wherein the label islaminated with a plastic material.